India’s first Tesla 'experience centre' to open in BKC, Mumbai on July 15; Model Y to lead line up

Elon Musk-led Tesla's first India 'experience centre' is set to come up in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) on July 15, marking its official entry into the country. The facility will showcase Tesla’s electric vehicles (EVs), with the Model Y SUV as its flagship offering. Sources suggest CEO Elon Musk may attend the event, which could also feature the announcement of Starlink’s India launch.

Five Model Y units, imported from Tesla’s Shanghai plant, have already arrived in Mumbai. Priced at around ₹70 lakh (ex-showroom), the SUV faces a steep 70% import duty, making it significantly costlier than in the US. The new Tesla Mumbai showroom, located close to Apple's first flagship store in India, will reportedly not allow test drives at the moment.

Despite India’s price-sensitive market, Tesla aims to attract early EV adopters before potentially shifting to local manufacturing, pending government incentives. Additionally, Tesla plans a New Delhi showroom soon, while Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet venture, has reportedly secured initial regulatory approvals.

While electric vehicles comprise just over 5% of new car sales in India, the premium EV segment remains a niche, making up less than 2% of the market. Tesla’s high price tag may limit its initial reach, but the company is expected to focus on long-term growth, including potential local manufacturing to drive down costs and expand accessibility.